At Labour Party Conference, Andy Burnham put to words what the British public has been suffering for decades: a rapid decline in living standards as a result of privatisation. He set out a vision of a ‘new social contract’ where a decent home and stable income can once again be attainable to all.

In a speech at the People’s History Museum in Manchester City Centre on Monday, Andy Burnham set out his vision for his soon-to-be government. First, it spoke to a number of issues that the soon-to-be former New New Labour Government never bothered to address. This is because that was a government specifically designed not to change anything – the name of its 2024 manifesto a mere marketing device.

The North East of England and the Basque Country of northern Spain are remarkably similar. Historically both regions are known for their former industrial base, regional distinctiveness and strong prideful identities. After the 1970s onwards both the North East and the Basque Country experienced a period of deindustrialisation characterised by steep declines in traditional industry like steel, coal and shipbuilding causing high unemployment and economic crises.